Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Canadian authorities have dismantled a major cross-border extortion network after Peel Regional Police arrested 17 Indian and Punjabi-origin men in a large-scale joint operation targeting organized crime activities across Canada and the United States.
According to investigators, the gang operated in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, British Columbia, and even parts of California in the US. The accused allegedly targeted Punjabi and South Asian business owners, including restaurant operators, trucking companies, and local entrepreneurs, through threats and extortion demands.
Police said victims were threatened with violence if they failed to pay money. Several incidents linked to the network involved shootings, arson attacks, and violent assaults.
Those arrested include Iqbal Singh Bhagria, Akashdeep Singh, Ravinder Singh, Jashanbir Singh, Dilawarpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Prabhdeep Sohal, Pratapbir Ghumman, Ajaydeep Singh, Navroop Singh, Rajan Singh, Amritjot Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Guneet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Mohinder Singh, and Gautam Gautam.
Authorities revealed that the investigation uncovered 24 connected incidents, including 16 major violent crimes. Officials also claimed that nearly 324 bullets were fired in multiple attacks tied to the syndicate.
During raids conducted as part of the operation, officers recovered six illegal firearms, narcotics, mobile phones, SIM cards, and fake identification documents. The arrested suspects are now facing a combined total of 106 criminal charges.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the group had links to a transnational organized crime network operating across borders and was dismantled through coordinated efforts by multiple agencies. The Canada Border Services Agency has also detained six of the accused for alleged immigration violations, and they could face deportation to India.
